Sql-server – Restore exceeds licensed limit of 10240 MB per database. All I really need is the DB structure

sql server

I received a .bak file from a customer that I need to Restore, but the Restore exceeds licensed limit of SQL Server 2008 R2 10240 MB per database. All I really need is the DB structure. Is there a way to Restore anyway or for me to just Restore the structure?

Best Answer

The only way would be to restore to an edition of SQL Server besides the express edition, then delete the data that you don't need. Then shrink the database below the 10 Gig limit then backup and restore to your express instance.

If this is for a development machine look at getting a copy of SQL Server Developer Edition. It's usually about $50.00 and doesn't have any limitations like database size. It's only limitation is that you can't use the instance for production use.